Paintings by derek king

2023…

Based on observations made over time at the Dee Estuary and Anglesey. The investigation started from absorbing closely the environment and moves forward in an attempt to start a dialogue that is more about our perception than our projection.

2023

An exploration along the coast and highlighting rocks that emerge from the sea, fallen from the cliff face or simply draw the edge between the elements.

This is a series of studies/investigations looking at the interconnection between light and lines.

A series of painting investigations (30) based on the light through the large front window and its affect on a chair in direct sunlight. The feeling of isolation reflected in the empty chair whilst the high illumination from outside emphasising the feeling of lockdown and the potential of what lies outside, be it good or bad.

Towards Abstraction.

The marine Lake in West Kirby is, for many, a familiar feature that can be taken for granted. This exhibition examines our relationship with the Lake, asking questions of why we are drawn to it and how we perceive it.

The paintings have both mapping and diagrammatic elements similar to Blueprints. This mirrors and acknowledges the structural imposition of the lake on the landscape. line is used to express multiple perspectives, giving the paintings a fluidity and movement informed by the structure itself. The paintings are intended to be an intensely personal response to this landscape.

My figurative work is used to investigate, uncover and analyse space, form and colour. These two hour sessions under the watchful eye of Joe McGillivary or Peter Macaulay are a great way to focus and train the eye.

Marine Lake Series, West Kirby, Wirral.

This series of studies consider the dislocation of horizons and multiple perspectives of a mass man-made structure(lake) in an ever-changing natural environment.

The bay series is a collection selected from a portfolio based on the bay north of Trearddur, Anglesey, known as Porth-y-Post. With its towering cliffs along either side of the bay and with a sandy backdrop, the area creates the sense of a natural amphitheatre.

The series questions the degree to which the strength of the framework (cliffs) can exist whilst maintaining the volumes of water, movement, colour change and light. The later numbered paintings reflecting the idea that the water acts as the platform or stage and the environment is its support, such as backdrop, props and lighting.

Tidelines by Derek King. Oil on canvas. Exhibited at Staacks gallery, West Kirby, Wirral throughout June 2016.

The work depicts the ever changing environment around the Wirral coast and the bays that dot the Isle of Anglesey.

This section covers many of the paintings that have either been commissioned, appeared in exhibitions before 2016 or simply part of an investigation that did not quite make a full body of work.

This section shows works that have been put into prints. These Giclee prints come in various sizes and whilst all images are signed not all are within a limited edition.

All prints come either mounted or if being posted, in a suitable postage tube. For further details please contact Staacks Gallery, 0151 625 0229.

As part of my portfolio I teach adult painting classes. No matter what level you believe you are, it is never the wrong time to paint. I have been running painting classes in West Kirby since 2014, offering all abilities the opportunity to learn, practice and develop their skills and styles in acrylics and oils.

The classes are deliberately small in number in order to ensure that the individual gets as much coaching and encouragement as they need. This is important as the sessions are geared towards the student needs, with each pursuing their own points of interest, media choice and at a pace that suits them.

For further information on the courses, please contact

Staacks, 83 Banks Road, West Kirby

or phone 0151 625 0229

e mail: derek@staacks.co.uk